Benefiting Us All

When we posted a survey on our Web site in August 1998
to ask you what sorts of benefits you'd like to receive
as a Microsoft Certified Professional, over 1,000 people
responded during the few weeks the survey was up. Clearly,
it's an issue of some interest to MCPs.

As promised in my September 1998 column, we're reporting
back to you with the results of our admittedly completely
unscientific survey. (Click
here to read the comments.) We're also sending the
results on to Microsoft. In the survey, we asked voters
to choose their top five preferred benefits from a list
of 15 choices. Our list included items that are benefits
now for some titles (TechNet or MSDN, for example, is
still a benefit of becoming an MCSE or an MCSD, but not
an MCP); or that used to be a benefit of certification
(such as 10 free tech support calls). We also threw in
a few items that readers have suggested, such as a discount
on Microsoft Press materials.

Your top five choices, in order, were as follows: 1)
a free subscription to TechNet; 2) a free subscription
to MCP Magazine (thanks for that vote; this was
on our Web site, after all); 3) access to beta software;
4) an upgraded MCP certificate receive upon completing
a certification; and 5) a discount on Microsoft conferences.
Other top contenders: a discount on Microsoft Press materials
and a better private Web site for MCPs.

Surprisingly low on the list (10th out of the 15 choices)
was the free tech support call package, which was eliminated
as a benefit of certification based on a survey Microsoft
itself conducted last year.

Many readers complained about the private MCP Web site
that Microsoft introduced last year as a benefit (www.mcirosoft.com/mcp).
"The private Web site for MCPs is a joke," said
MCSE Nick Warner bluntly. "I return to it from time
to time hoping that something useful will be added."
Vernon Southmayd, an MCSE, pointed out that "the
lack of tech support incidents could have been made up
by actual material in the MCP/MCSE Web site and a continued
subscription to TechNet. Unfortunately, there is little
to no value in the current MCP site."

Plenty of respondents pointed out that MCPs are front-line
sales people for Microsoft products, after all. As such,
they need access to tools like TechNet, MCSD, and priority
support. "I was disappointed to find out after passing
my first MCP exam that the free TechNet [subscription]
was no longer being offered," commented MCP Shirley
Dow. "Instead I have to settle for a three-month
old 'trial version' that times out after 30 days. Bring
back TechNet!"

Amazingly, we also received many comments about the quality
of the certificate that MCPs receive ("cheesy,"
to quote one reader). We agree with you on this one. There's
got to be an inexpensive, quick way for Microsoft to resolve
this common complaint.

A number of readers called us to task for including the
certificate on the list at all. "The pin, membership
card, Web site, logos and certificate should be default
benefits. You aren't really suggesting that a 50-cent
certificate is a benefit that can be compared to a $1,500+
[priority support call] package, are you?" commented
J.R. Fillmore, an MCP+Internet. "I really don't think
of the certificate and logos as benefits so much as identification
and authentication that you are certified," commented
Chris Prysock, an MCP.

Helen O'Boyle, an MCSE+I and self-described "one-woman
shop," made this point about benefits: "One
of the difficulties in selecting appropriate benefits
is that not all individuals holding a given title are
in the same circumstances. For example, someone who works
for a Solution Provider has little need for the beta-evaluation
subscription [Solution Providers already receive that
benefit]."

An interesting comment from a few readers asked for additional
marketing efforts. "The greatest benefit that Microsoft
could bestow is to relentlessly promote the certification
program to its customers. "In addition to pushing
the Microsoft partner program, they should put the same
amount of money into placing ads in the big trade papers
and journals." said John Willard, MCSE.

Others commented on the irony of denying MCPs a free
subscription to a tool that is extremely helpful in preparing
for the MCSE. "I was looking forward to receiving
TechNet after I passed the Workstation exam. I heard it
was a valuable resource and a good study tool to help
me toward MCSE status. Now I see that I won't get it until
I'm an MCSE," wrote a disappointed Paul Creager,
currently an MCP. "As an MCP certified in Windows
NT Server, Enterprise, and Workstation, I have as much
need to access the TechNet CD as an MCSE," MCP Beverly
Henson pointed out. "It would be a very helpful tool
to have."

Based on your votes, Microsoft could move quickly to
enhance current benefits simply by spending a bit more
on the certificate and by enhancing the MCP-only Web site
considerably. More of your comments are shown at the end
of this column.

Those of you who took the time to complete the survey
summed up this issue better than I can. "Microsoft
should realize what a great selling tool I have become
for them," commented MCSE Brian Bootsman in voting
for more benefits. And, finally, here's my favorite comment,
from an MCP named Frank Dimina. "The greatest benefit
Microsoft can give to MCPs is to protect the value of
their certifications."

Given the amount of technical proficiency that MCPs
provide for Microsoft clients, the benefits from Microsoft
upon certification are dismal at best.
Rob Parrott, MCSE

Microsoft took too many benefits out of their program.
They need to listen to the MCPs who fix their products
on a daily basis.
Gary Stoutenburg, MCSE

Benefits should be added, not taken away.
Stephen Neidinger, MCP

Access to MCP logos is actually free advertising for
Microsoft, and shouldnt be considered a "benefit."
David Trestor, MCP

Id hardly consider a certificate, access to a logo,
or access to a Web site that has no content a benefit.
Name Withheld by Request

Anything that helps us make Microsoft look good is a
useful benefit: [My] certificate is still in its envelope.
Garrett Fitzgerald, MCP

Let's remember that the "dumbed down" MCP program
is no longer a certification program for computer professionals,
but one for end users. Therefore, Microsoft is entirely
correct in scaling down benefits to match what the program
now is: a marketing gimmick.
Gene Simpson, MCSE + I

All Microsoft professionals should deserve more than
just the five benefits [listed in your survey]. Im
an MCSE, and I suggest a lot of Microsoft solutions to
my client (a Fortune 50 company) and, thus, I bring Microsoft
hundreds of thousands in profit.
M. Lee, MCSE

The current benefits package is a joke.
Lauren Daly, MCSE

Hey! Dont mess with the bennies

Microsoft is doing a great job of keeping people like
me informed about the latest developments.
Paddy Verberne, MCP

I have no problems with the current benefits. Theyre
adequate and should stay with just the addition of the
single TechNet CD.
Dave Pedler, MCP

All of these benefits are trivial compared to the career
enhancement certification provides. No one says "Hey,
I'd like Technet, I'll go get MCSE so I can get it for
free!"
Craig Frey, MCSE

It isnt necessary that Microsoft provide more than
it already does. The certification itself benefits the
individuals the most.
Otto Goencz, MCP

I enjoy the respect of others knowing that you have proved
your knowledge in this area.
Douglas Leavitt, MCP

What I don't understand is the way people really expect
to get something for nothing. We are undertaking certification
to advance ourselves and, in the process, advance Microsoft
products.
Bill Hammen, MCP

The best benefit is being recognized as a Microsoft Professional
and the value I can bring to the table. My employer has
acknowledged this through compensation.
Peter Christy, MCSE

In my work and with friends Im treated with respect
more than before, and Im considered eligible for
more responsibility in my job. All this and lots more
I feel only have after becoming an MCSE and MCP+Internet.
Shiekh Bashir Abdul Rahiman, MCSE, MCP+I

About that Microsoft MCP Web site

One of the current benefits for MCPs includes access
to private Web Site resources, but the resources themselves
are quite limited. If this is going to stay as a benefit,
I would love to see the site expanded.
Gleb Evfarestov, MCP

For a corporation as big and as into the Internet as
Microsoft, the MCP secure Web site is a pretty weak offering.
Bruce Kirkpatrick, MCSE

Im an MCP with one exam left for MCSE. The private
Web site is a good resource, but is yet to be utilized
by Microsoft. There is no content there.
Howard Moon, MCP

Id like to see Microsoft promote a job search engine/listing
in the MCP secured Web site. Employers might appreciate
the focused audience, and theyd have confidence
that anybody responding to those ads has the credentials
they require.
William Thompson, MCSE

Conferences

I feel that people who have qualified for a premium certification
should be given free invitations to Microsoft technical
conferences. After all, we've earned it. We have proven
our technical competence.
Madhu Menon, MCSE

I think only MCPs, MCSEs, MCSDs, and MCSPs should be
able to attend TechEd. Also, there should be a toll-free
line for employers to verify if a potential employee is
certified.
Jason Staker, MCP

Id like to see more MCSE/MCP conferences in areas
not so expensive and time-consuming to get to.
James Crimens, MCP+I

Access to betas

The access to the beta program should be available as
long as we keep the title, not just for one year (as it
is now). Its especially important for MCSDs, since
we develop applications on the latest Microsoft technology.
Yining Zhang, MCSD

Easier access to the beta evaluation program for MCPs.
Les Blunden, MCP

The TechMentor conference said it all: We are the ones
who "push" Microsoft products and we should
have free or discounted support and betas from Microsoft.
Wes Snyder, MCP

Whats with the certificate?

Can't they improve on that cheesy certificate?
Martin Jackson, MCSE

Who cares how many times Bill has to sign his name? If
I work that hard to pass those exams, he should at least
break out the bottle of ink, pull a feather from his hat
and sign it.
Rovan Hill, MCSE

The certificate for premium titleholders is not very
impressive. Considering the extra work involved, it should
be.
Joel Lundi, MCSE

Discounts on Software, Books, Resources

MCPs should receive a free copy of the product they're
certified in (for example, an MCP who passed an NT Server
4.0 exam should be given NT Server 4.0). MCSEs should
get copies of all Microsoft operating systems software,
even if its a not-for-resale version. I know this
is close to the MSDN Library benefits, but it makes sense.
Philip Lembo, MCSE

Id like to see similar discounts on software, such
as is extended to Microsoft Solution Providers. The discounts
to MCPs on Microsoft Press training materials need to
be better than what is offered on the open market by others,
such as Bookpool or Amazon.
Mario Noe, MCSE

Not a free MSN e-mail addressI can get a free Hot-mail
account! How about free MSN access so I can RAS in from
around the country?
Ron Burkett, MCSE

Show me the discount! Training materials and software
can be quite an expense.
Warren Holzem, MCP

Its nice that Microsoft has certain perks for certified
people, but I'd like to see some of the fluff (such as
lapel pins) eliminated and have that money go to more
important items, such as reducing costs on resources that
we rely on.
Dave Gammage, MCP

Even if we dont get loads of benefits as a result
of certification, we should have the opportunity to obtain
some of the itemsmembership cards, extra certificates,
etc.by purchasing them from Microsoft.
David Pellot, MCSE

There should be incentives to pass more exams once one
has achieved one title, say, 50 percent of the fee for
one attempt only
Rao Dandangi, MCSE

Dont forget us

Microsoft should help MCP Magazine to distribute
their magazine around the world, especially Asia.
Danilo Dy, MCP

While people in "developed countries" get their
welcome kits on time, we unfortunate people in countries
such as India have to put up with long waiting periods
before our Welcome kits arrive.
Madhu Menon, MCSE

There are fewer benefits for MCPs outside the U.S. I
hope Microsoft will consider offering the same benefits
for all MCP worldwide.
Robert Hu, MCSE

Keep us better informed

I wasnt aware of all of the benefits. Did I miss
getting a package? How do you get these things?
Sharon Cravotta, MCP

It would help if Microsoft simply provided clearer definition
of certification information. I recently moved and have
yet to get any of my benefits continued here. In addition,
when the MCSE+Internet certificate was announced, we had
questions about specifics.
Kerry Sutton, MCSE+I

Make the exams tougher

The exams should be harder and the benefits greater.
I look forward to the new exam structure and hope this
prevents all but the most qualified from earning the certification.
Michael Vrabel, MCP+I

It would be nice to see Microsoft implement a Master
MCSE and Master MCSD program, where candidates have to
prove themselves, much like the Cisco Certified Internetworking
Expert certification.
Name withheld by request

Microsoft stock

It would be nice if Microsoft offered a few shares of
stock to MCSE or MCP or at least stock at a discounted
rate.
Jeff Steadman, MCP

Id like to be able to invest in Microsoft stock
through direct purchases. Allowing us to dollar cost average
stock purchases in the company would be a great benefit
and make us "owners."
Dick Lane, MCP

Tech support calls

When youre in the field, itd be nice to know
that Microsoft backs you. They should think about giving
10 free calls a year. It would help out their MCSEs and
make the support program better.
James Oryszczyn, MCSE

How can Microsoft stand behind their MCSEs and not give
some sort of technical phone support? Microsoft's reputation
is on the line as well.
Ben Brumley, MCSE

Id like private and direct access to Microsoft
staff who can resolve MCPs problems. I havent
received any beta CDs for months, and my e-mails to their
support address go unanswered . MCSDs should be offered
development and support tools (e.g. MSDN Universal) at
a grossly discounted rate. After all, we indirectly promote
and sell Microsofts products.
Mark Worrall, MCSD

The 10 free priority tech support calls was the most
valuable benefit of all.
Scott Burch, MCSE

The 10 free priority technical support calls were invaluable
to me as a new MCSE.
Tom Smith, MCSE

Its important that Microsoft consider us their
eyes and ears in the field. We should be made to feel
like a team member. Dont take Tech support away
from your MCPs and MCSEs (this includes TechNet and calls).
Ed Stachyra, MCP + I

Microsoft has taken away some key materials needed for
new engineers to survive in the fast-paced world of computers.
When I started my program, I called Microsoft to get a
list of benefits, and now the best benefitthe 10
free tech support callsis gone.
Jonathan Quint, MCSE

TechNet CD

Realistically, MCSEs are Microsoft's main sales people
on the front lines. MCSEs should never have to pay anything
for TechNet as long as [our] certifications are kept current.
Brad Halsey, MCSE

While I understand that costs need to be controlled,
I was disappointed when Microsoft discontinued the one
year free TechNet subscription for MCPs. Much of the material
we have to study in order to achieve MCSE status can be
found in TechNet.
James A. Lopresto, MCSE

Maybe Microsoft could offer an additional second year
free TechNet subscription if MCSE holders pass two additional
electives in the next year.
Ryan Tan, MCSE + I

Without sucking up, I think the MCP Magazine is
one of the better perks. There is no better place to get
up-to-date information on moving ahead with certification.
TechNet would be a great help in that area also.
J.D. Wire, MCP

What we *really* want is

How about a nice shirt with MCP logo that we can wear
to our customer sites? We certified people definitely
want to show off our MCP status.
Kevin Lee, MCSE + I

Microsoft gives so much now, it's hard to ask for more.
But, the pin would be nice.
Charles Gogolin, MCSE

Some type of wearable would be nice.
Patrick Donlan, MCP

A membership card should be a given. How else can you
easily demonstrate that youre an MCP? Its
too impractical to carry around your certificates.
Royal Stacey, MCP

I suggest acknowledgment [from Microsoft] of receipt
of certifications within 10 business days of receiving
it.
Marsha Maines, MCP

The greatest benefit is the advertising that Microsoft
puts behind the certifications.
James Chason, MCP

[As MCSEs, we should have the] ability to provide serious
input to the development process.
Bert Bruner, MCSE

Microsoft claims that this program doesn't make money,
but surely the intangible benefits in having all these
MCP/MCSEs trained and certified in using Microsoft products
must be substantial. So, why not invest more into the
program?
Greg Neilson, MCSE+I

While most of the benefits listed are important, I think
the greatest "benefit" could be if Microsoft
would take steps to keep the certifications valuable and
meaningful.
Patrick Honny, MCSE

Microsoft needs to do a better job of informing employers
about the benefits of having certified staff.
Chad Smalley, MCSE

Microsoft needs to work more directly with their MCSEs
and MCSDs. Were out there on the front lines everyday
with their biggest customers.
Roger Russell, MCSE

The greatest benefit should be real value of the certifications
in the industry. The certifications are disappointing
in general. As of yet, theyre of minor importance
when finding work. I know the companies (MCP Magazine
and Microsoft) are making good money marketing the certifications;
I only wish a portion of the operating budget was towards
putting real value and meaning into the certifications
to keep them from becoming an embarrassment.
Gerry Hulme, MCSE